Friday, June 4, 2010

A Trip to the Market

One of my favorite things about living in Greece is that open markets are a part of everyday life, unlike my other neighborhood in Milwaukee, where we have to wait for summer and warmer weather before an open or "green" market becomes available on a regular basis. Although, I have to admit that I shop at the open market aka "laiki" more often in the spring and summer months since it always seems to rain on the day of our local laiki during the winter.

The kids also love the experience of the market, especially since they always leave with wonderful treats. The photos I've posted are from recent visits.

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Foti & Alexandra posing at the market.

Alexandra has a small bag of assorted candy in her grasp, she chose her favorites, of course.

My favorite olives, stuffed with red peppers. I use these when I make arroz con gandules. Although, I have to say it's arroz SIN gandules since I have run out of them a few months ago. Now I use red beans/frijoles rojos instead.

It's also cherry season. I absolutely have to go to the market for these every week until they're gone. My girls love to taste a few before we buy any.

Leaving the market with treats in hand.

Notice how the kids are paying close attention to their surroundings. They enjoy going to the market not only to absorb the sights and smells; but also because now that we are regulars, many of the vendors take special care of them and often treat them with candy and smiles. That alone takes the monotony out of shopping for fruits and veggies.

19 comments:

Oh my, you are so fortunate in that your children are safe on the streets and people know them and will look out for them, plus, give them treats. That sounds a lot like the way it was in my small village of a couple of hundred people. Everyone knew everyone and also knew their business. LOL

These are really nice photographs of your children. How many languages do they now speak?

Hello sou! :))))))))))))Was about to leave a comment saying how wonderfull these laiki trips seem, and then I noticed the quote from Maya Angelou u have.It really does say everything about ur blog. It makes me feel at home, everytime I visit.Thank u Cheryl!

I don't get to our laiki often enough. We have twice weekly and it is packed both days. You could lose the kids at ours!! I always end up buying whatever is looking good and completely changing my menu plan when I've been to the laiki!

@ Abraham Lincoln...Our community is small and everyone definitely knows everyone else's business, that's for sure. Some days I think that people know more about me than I do! :)And, I have to say that I do take comfort in knowing that our children are generally safe here. The children speak both English and Greek fluently and we're working on Spanish.

Have a great weekend!

@ Evie...thank you, I prefer b/w photos actually. Our family does enjoy going to the laiki for the most part. We usually go later so it's not as busy. Kalo savatokiriako!!

@ Joy...what I love the best about buying olives here is that you are free to taste as many as you want, can't beat it!Have a beautiful weekend Joy!

@ ELENI... Σας ευχαριστώ! Καλό Σαββατοκύριακο και σε σένα :):)

@ Peter...I agree. I haven't found a farmer's market in North America that compares, at least not yet. Nothing like the laiki! Have fun this weekend :):)

@ Liz...I don't go a lot during winter since it's usually raining on the day it's here. I try to go later so it's not so busy and the kids can walk without being trampled. And, I've also been known to change the menu plans a few times after going to the laiki. Enjoy the weekend ahead! :)

@ Ivy...I often do the same. It's easy to do, epecially when the vendors add extras as well.

I miss the markets in Greece more than anything here. We do have markets everyday, but they are way downtown Minneapolis and that's just too much driving. :) The thing I miss most about Greece though has got to be you hands down. xoxoxoxoxo

Christie...I know, it's nice to have them close by. There is one in MKE that is year round but as you've mentioned, it's too far to drive. There's also an indoor public market in MKE nearby but it's not the same as being outdoors. I miss you too. I think you should come back, at least for the summer! xoxoxoxoxo

I'm so jealous! I just don't understand why Hortiatis doesn't have one - unless it is off to some side street we'd never know about, but I doubt it. We have to get all our green stuff at the grocery. Boo =(

@ Susan...Hello! I'm so happy that you are interested in my corner of the blogosphere and what I call "my corner of Greece." Thank you for the lovely compliment! I hope you continue to enjoy my blog.

@ Mel...I can probably understand why they don't have one! It's on a hill!! All of the fruits & veggies would roll away...to my house!! hahaNo, in all seriousness, I think it would probably be incredibly difficult to set a market up there. Where is the closest one? It's the same for us at our summer village, we have to drive 1/2 hr to the laiki because if one were to be set up in the middle of the village no one would get in our out for hours. :P :):)

About Me

Welcome!
I've been married to my Greek husband for 23 years and we have 3 children ages 10 & under. 6 years ago, we moved to Greece and I started this blog so that my family & friends at home could keep up with what we're doing. Remarkably, this blog has taken a life of its own and I've come to know some pretty amazing people so it's more than just a blog about my family, it's about sharing my experience with anyone that's interested in my frequent musings & photographs. Enjoy! :)